The Low Down

Wild Goose Chase Review

As promised, a few days ago I mentioned that I would be reviewing the book, Wild Goose Chase for all of my blog readers. So here it is. Before I dive in, I wanted to once again congratulate Matt McMullen for winning his own personal copy of the book. Matt now has his book and is ready for his personal Wild Goose Chase experience.

Now for the book. As an avid fan of In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, you never know what you are going to get with a sequel of a great first book. However, as I began to plunge into Wild Goose Chase I was not disappointed. The book is about you and me and this adventure of life that we are on. The term, Wild Goose, refers to the Celtic reference to the Holy Spirit. As Batterson urges us, we must learn to be led by the Spirit and understand that it is up to us to make the most of where the Lord leads us. One of my favorite parts of the book deals with our need to surrender our will to the Wild Goose. As Batterson states it (my paraphrase), many times we make the statement that we have done all that we can do, and if are doing it on our strength then we have done all that we can do. However, if we will learn to trust, lean and even depend upon the Holy Spirit - with the Holy Spirit's help we will be able to do so much more. In fact, that's what walking in the Spirit is all about and Mark Batterson has not been exempt from these life lessons - giving up a full ride scholarship at Chicago State University, leaving a starting position on the schools NCAA caliber basketball team to study for the ministry, and eventually years later planting a church (National Community Church) in an old movie theatre in our nations capital. Mark knows what it is like to be on a Wild Goose Chase of his own. And while reading this book you can't help but learn from the practical side of Mark Batterson and yet find yourself in amazement at his incredible intellect at the same time. The book is an easy read and yet it is so deep and rich with wisdom. I recommend it to every Christ follower. (It's a must read for those in ministry.) So pick up your copy tomorrow, August 19th, 2008 as the book hits stands nation-wide. You can pick up a copy at Barnes and Noble, Borders, Amazon.com, and Christian Book Distributors. For more information and a sample chapter reading of the book, visit www.chasethegoose.com. Happy reading!

Second Day

Today was KJ's second day of school. She came home excited. Yesterday
was her first day and her teacher was amazed at how ready and prepared she was. It made me proud as a dad, but that doesn't mean I am ready for her to grow up too quickly!

Wild Goose Chase Winner

The Wild Goose Chase Give-away ended at 9 a.m. this morning. Thank you so much for all of those who entered for a chance to win. We had many registrants and after a random drawing this morning, the winner is Matthew McMullen. Congratulations Matthew - your book will be shipped asap. I hope you enjoy it. For those who did not win, you may purchase a copy of Mark Batterson's book at Barnes and Noble, Borders, CBD, or Amazon.com. The book hits stores on August 19th. Check back soon for my review of this incredible book.

I Joined the Family

Yes, it is true. Today I went and picked up my new IPhone G3 and joined the Apple family. After waiting weeks for my order to come in, I walked into the AT&T store to pick it up only to be made to wait another hour before I actually was able to meet with a representative and activate my phone. However, I am already loving the text messaging set up and the applications on the phone. I can't wait to try out the GPS. Everyone knows I need all the help with directions that I can get. 

Ready to Take a Risk

Had an awesome day today and was able to get tons of stuff done. I can't wait for our Ignition service tomorrow. I have a Word from God burning on my heart and I can't wait to unveil some awesome things that are coming up here in the next few weeks at Ignition. We are going to be talking about some different areas of our lives that God is calling us to take risks in. So many times we live life too safely and God is calling us to step out, live on the edge and simply trust Him. I can't wait to get together at Ignition tomorrow night - same time, same place. Tonight, I watched Michael Phelps pick up his fifth gold and his fifth world record in Beijing. The 800M Freestyle Relay was a joke. Those U.S.A. boys blew the record apart by over 5 seconds. I've had a blast watching all of the Olympic coverage. Tonight I knocked out reading more of Batterson's phenomenal new book, Wild Goose Chase. You need to sign up for the free give-away. Many have - don't miss out!

Wild Goose Give-Away

Hey blog nation. I have an exciting opportunity for all of you. Mark Batterson, pastor of National Community Church in Washington, DC and author of In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day, has a new book coming out on August 19, 2008. Would you like to get your hands on a copy of the book even before it hits the stands - for FREE? How you ask? You can register to win a copy of Mark's book by dropping me an email at ignitionstudents@hotmail.com. Please leave me your name and your shipping address. In the subject include the words, "Book Give-Away". I will draw the name of the winner on Friday. The contest will end by 9 a.m. CST on Friday and the winner's name (no pertent information given to me will be released except your name) will be posted on this blog sometime on Friday afternoon. I have been asked to review this book and at this point it is nothing short of amazing! In the next few days, I will be posting some thoughts and reviews about Mark's book. Be sure to follow my blog for the next few days for more information. You can also read Mark's "10 Steps to Setting Life Goals" and can check out more about the book, Wild Goose Chase, by going to www.chasethegoose.com. You can purchase your own copy at www.amazon.com, www.cbd.com, or by going to www.barnesandnoble.com. Thanks for participating and please feel free to leave any comments you may have. 

An In Your Face Moment

Today we arrived home safely from our incredible trip to Charlotte, NC. However, nearly 24 hours ago on a train, I had one of the most unusual and yet one of the most fascinating experiences of my life. Throughout the week, in Charlotte, we traveled from place to place by their very nice above ground Metro system. Each night we would leave our explosive services at the Time-Warner Arena and walk to the Metro. Last night was no different. As we made our way into the car, my wife and daughter sat down in a seat on the train. Across the isle from them sat one of our teenagers that was on the trip with us. The guys and I stood - leaving a seat open by Jara. A gentleman sat down by her holding his extinguished cigarette (for tabacco use on the train is against the law). He sat there beside her and continued to mouth words. I was a good distance from him and due to the ambient noise of the train and the loud voices in the car, I couldn't understand what he was saying. Kate continually looked at me with a concerned look in her eyes. She eventually called one of our older students over to stand by her and all of the ladies in case something crazy went down. A few stops later, the man finally got up and proceeded to exit the train. During the ride, I had been hanging onto a pole that is positioned in the middle of the metro car. So as the man headed out the doors of the train he was going to have to pass right by me. So, as the man got to the automatic doors he quickly turned to me - getting right in my face - and says, "you're a Christian aren't you, huh?" I looked him dead in the eyes and said - "I sure am". He turned as if to walk out the door and I had one of those slow motion moments where time stood still and I could detect that if there was going to be trouble this would be about the time that it would happen. Just as I had anticipated, the man turned back to look at me and then said, "huh, well good night Christian," and he stepped off the train mumbling something under his breath. Later, as I told my wife what had happened, she began to tell me all of the blasphemous and vulger things that the man was saying as he sat in the train car. Denouncing God and mocking us believers. As I walked the rest of the way home last night, the passage of scripture jumped out at me that says, "even demons know the name of Jesus and shutter." Something was incredibly wrong with this man. Here's what I think happened. I think that as the man found himself in a train car full of God followers, he was overwhelmed with the presence of Christ all around him. I have always wondered what would happen if my faith were tested. I know that this was not a life threatening situation - no guns or bombs - but I would like to beleive that it was just a small bit of proof to myself that I have what it takes to stand for the Lord. Tonight, as I lay my head down on my pillow in my own bed, I thank God for the confidence that I had to proclaim Him as my Lord. I think every once in a while, we all need an in your face moment!

Loving What I Do

Today, myself and nine others landed safely in Charlotte, North Carolina for this weekends National Fine Arts Conference. Every year, we have the opportunity for students to participate in different areas of ministry with other students in the Assemblies of God all over the U.S. We arrived in Charlotte around 3 p.m. - hoped a shuttle to the hotel and then immediately made our way to the metro rail. We purchased tickets for the train, traveled down town and got registered for the event. After dinner, we made our way to the arena where the Charlotte Bobcats play, which will be the building that hosts our evening rallies every night this week. It's always amazing to see 12,000+ students and young adults worshipping God and packing out a facility that typically houses rowdie beer drinkers and chest painters. As we bombard the place, we believe that we truly have something to celebrate. Tonight we rocked out with Planet Shakers during worship (which will be the case every night) and we can't wait to hear KJ52 tomorrow. It's going to be an awesome day. It comes soon - so I had better run. Pics will be posted soon. Thanks again for checking out the blog.

Willow Lake Triathlon 2008

Today I completed the Willow Lake Triathlon here in Enid for the second straight year. I thank God for the health and ability to even be able to attempt to do this. The race is comprised of a 500 meter (1/2 mile) swim, a 9.6 mile bike ride, and a 3.1 mile run. I will admit up front that I am in no way a champion of the sport, but love the discipline that it takes to train and work hard to complete the three consecutive events. I compete to finish, and each year my goal is to better my time. Last year, in '07 I participated in my first triathlon and finished with a time of 1 hour, 31 minutes and 47 seconds. This year, I felt better and was a little more prepared and although I only finished with a time of 1 hour, 29 minutes and 33 seconds; I did better my time! Again, I thank God for my health and for the opportunity to put on the swim cap, jump on the bike and lace up the running shoes. Next year, I know that I can and will do better.

Random Thoughts

Hey...here are just a few random thoughts I wanted to put together before crashing out for the night. For the past few days now I have been on vacation in St. Louis and have been relaxing and resting up a bit. I feel like a marathon shopper over the past few days. Whenever we are in a town where we can stop by some stores we always take advantage of it, and this week we have really done quite a bit of shopping and eating out here in St. Louis. I started a new book titled, Faith of my Fathers and is written by John McCain. I am not a huge proponent of politics, (other than doing my best to try to find out who to vote for) but I am always interested in getting the scoop on and reading stories and biographies about people. This particular book highlights McCain's grandfather, his father, and even his own military career achievements - including his time as a P.O.W. I am currently on the third chapter and so far it's a pretty interesting read. On another note, today I attacked the big hills again as I laced up the running shoes and continued training for the tri on Saturday. I can't wait to have the chance to better my time this year. I'm doing all that I can to prepare and make sure that I don't cramp up after I get off of the ten-mile cycling portion of the event.

Over the past few days, the theme of my time with the Lord has been to "not spin". In other words, I feel that God is saying to me that I am not to worry so much. I have to admit that one of my spiritual giftings is to be the worry wart of the family. Sometimes it eats me up with intimidation and even steals sleep right out from under me as I lay awake in bed, robbed. So God has been speaking to me about loosening the grips and allowing Him to have the controls. I have good intentions on letting God take the reigns, but intending to let Him and completely surrendering are two different things. I know that my life is best lived when it is in God's hands, so I'm going to choose to let Him lead. Matthew 6:33 says that we are to not worry about tomorrow for today has enough worries of its own. Instead, we are to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and everything will be taken care of (my paraphrasing). It's ridiculous to think that it is even a good option for us to try to keep the controls in our lives or to even think that our worrying could solve anything. Instead, we need to just relax and loosen up and let God move into the position in our lives that was always meant for Him. So tonight, those are my random thoughts. The bottom line is that from now on, I'm going to enjoy life and look to God for direction in everything that I do. I hope that after reading this - maybe something inside of you will decide that it's time for you to let God have His way in your life as well.